Kochi (Cochin) is Kerala's cosmopolitan port city, blending Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial heritage with a thriving contemporary arts scene. Cochin International Airport connects to the city center in about 45–75 minutes.

About Kochi City Center

Kochi is spread across a network of islands and peninsulas on the Malabar Coast. The historic Fort Kochi area on a small peninsula is the main attraction, with the iconic Chinese fishing nets (Cheena Vala) silhouetted against the Arabian Sea at sunset—a symbol of Kerala tourism. The area\'s streets are lined with colonial-era buildings housing art galleries, antique shops, and spice traders. St. Francis Church, built in 1503, is India\'s oldest European church where Vasco da Gama was originally buried.

The Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry (built 1568) anchors Jew Town, now a bustling antiques market. The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India\'s largest contemporary art festival held in Fort Kochi\'s converted warehouses, has made the city a global art destination. Marine Drive along Ernakulam\'s waterfront offers a modern promenade, while the backwater canals leading south connect Kochi to Kerala\'s famous houseboat network in Alleppey. Kochi is also a foodie paradise—Kerala\'s seafood, appam with stew, and Malabar biryani are legendary.

Nearby Landmarks

Chinese Fishing Nets St. Francis Church Mattancherry Palace Jewish Synagogue Marine Drive

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take Kochi Metro from Aluva station (15 min from airport by taxi, INR 150).
2. Ride the metro to Maharaja\'s College or Ernakulam South (INR 40–60, ~30 min).
3. From Ernakulam, take a ferry to Fort Kochi (INR 6, 20 min) for the historic area.
4. Alternatively, pre-paid taxi from the airport directly to Fort Kochi (INR 800–1,200, 60–75 min).
5. To Ernakulam city center: taxi INR 600–900 (45–60 min).

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Kochi Metro runs until about 10:15 PM. Pre-paid taxis from the airport operate 24/7 (INR 800–1,200 to Fort Kochi). After midnight, only pre-booked transfers and airport taxis are reliable—auto-rickshaws are scarce. Ola and Uber work but availability drops significantly after 11:00 PM in the Kochi area.

Luggage Tips

The Kochi Metro has luggage space near doors. Pre-paid airport taxis handle luggage well. Auto-rickshaws are impractical for more than one bag. Fort Kochi's narrow streets require walking from the nearest vehicle drop-off point—travel light or have your hotel arrange porterage. Ferry boats to Fort Kochi have flat boarding areas.

Accessibility

The Kochi Metro is fully accessible with elevators, tactile flooring, and wheelchair spaces. Fort Kochi's streets are narrow and uneven, with limited accessibility in older buildings. Marine Drive in Ernakulam is flat and wheelchair-friendly. Hotels in the Fort Kochi area vary—newer boutique hotels tend to be more accessible.